West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1887-03-17
PLYMOUTH MOURNS.
THE DEATH OF ITS PASTOR.
The Edince Crowded with Beechers
Admtrers-McmCriaI Services in
Adjacent Churches

All Brooklyn was in mourning over the
death Of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.
The public offices were closed, business was
entirely Suspended, and memorial services
were held in large number OF churches in
the vicinity OF Plymouth Church
The uptown streets look deserted As
early as seven o'clock Fulton avenue was
throngei with people hurrying in the direc-
ton OF Plymouth church. Lines OF police
were stationed at the ends OF the block on
which the church is situated, and no one was
allowed to pass through the lines unless he
had a ticket. Before eight o'clock the line
IN Orange street was two blocks long, three
abreast. The side streets were packed with
people who hung around hoping that they
might b. able to get in without ticket.
The members OF Plymouth Company q, OF
the Thirteenth regiment, OF which Mr.
Beecher was Chaplain, were stationed at the
doors OF the church and in the lecture room
It was nearly 10 o'clock before the doors
were thrown open to those who had been
waiting without impatiently for nearly three
hours. The people entered by the Orange
street entrance and were shown to their seats
by the ushers
The whole interior OF the church was turn
ed into perfect flower garden, and the frag-
ram perfume Of the roses pervaded the air
Thl walls, galleries and organ were
covered with evergreens, palms and Gala
lilies. The reading desk was covered with
roses and vines as was also the chair in
which NJ Beecher sat for 50 many years
II the centre Of the organ loft was a floral
emblem in tho shape of a triangle, on the top
Of which we're perched two white doves with
white ribbons In their bills. The fracade OF
the gallery was covered with potted plants
The pulpit was loaded down with flowers aud
floral emblems sent 10y friende and different
organizations.
The casket was placed on a catafsique OF
white roses, while carnations aud smilax di-
reotly in front Of the reading desk. Mrs S.
V. White aud several ladies devoted their
time before the doors were opened in cover
ing the casket with lilies OF the valley,
eucharis roses, smilax, maiden hair ferns,
tuberoscs and French moss. When they
finished not vestage of the black cloth COW
ering Of the casket could be seen. There was
nothing to indicate the presence Of death ex-
cepI the stiffness which pervaded the room
and the hu'hed conversation Of the worship
eTs. The church had more the appearance
Of wedding than funeral
Promptly at 1880 DR.. Hall, vested with
surplics slowly ascendel the platform
accompanied by Dr.. Halliday, and the two
took their places at the pulpit.
DR.. Hall at once began with the opening
sentences Of the Episcopal burial service.
With faltering voice he repeated the ever
beautiful words, Il am the resurrection and
the life" When these were finished the
choir, nearly hidden behind "a bank OF Gala
lilies. sang the burial chant, Lord let me
know mine end.n Then Dr.. Hall, who had
turned from the people to hide his tears dur
ing the singing Of the chant, read the lesson,
taken from the fifteenth chapter. Then fo.-
lowed the funeral GRAFTON.
At the close of the funeral services the
congregation viewed the remains, after
which the doors were brown open to the
public again until 4 Pm
At that hour tho children Of the three Sun.
day schools connected with the church. in
charge OF their superintendent and teachers.
viewed the remains.
Upon closing the church on Friday the
public services were closed, and the removal
10 the cemetery was private Saturday morn
Ing. Only the family aud few friends fol-
lowed the body to Greenwood on Saturday
Il is estimated that at least forty thousand
persons viewe+ ths body.